How are the people in the Pioneer Valley? (Boston, Amherst: how much, schools)

[christoforest]

My wife and I are planning on moving back to New England, either the Pioneer Valley or Burlington VT, from Seattle for several reasons, one of which is the people.

I am originally from the Northeast and have become dissillusioned with the nicey-nicey, polite but ultimately superficial personality in Seattle. Originally, in Seattle, it appeared everyone was so friendly as opposed to northeast bluntness, but eventually it became clear the politeness is more of a wall than an invitation. Also, being "so busy" is worn as a badge of honor in Seattle.

I lived three years in Boston and was shell-shocked by the rudeness and abrasiveness people showed toward eachother so I would not live there again, but the other parts of New England always seemed much better. Even in Boston though, friendships seemed deeper and more real than here in Seattle, even if they take a little longer to get going.

My question if the Pioneer Valley is very different from the Boston vibe and if people are freindly/sociable/helpful there and if there is a sense of community? My wife is Brazilian so the social aspect is important.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated!

thanks

Chris

[christoforest]

Is there anybody out there who knows the Pioneer Valley area?

[ontheroad]

I think there is a totally different "vibe" in the Pioneer Valley than Boston--more laid back, very academic but with little pretense (5 colleges), friendlier and much more of a community--town by town and within the county.

I am just driving to the East Coast (in Columbia, MO today) and was talking to my friends here about how much I love the Valley. It's diversity is generally found among the graduate, post-graduate and college faculty population(s). I can't imagine a native Brasilian having any difficulty adjusting and making friends in the area.

Each town has its distinct flavour--Northampton the largest town, probably with Amherst/North Amherst following close behind. These two towns have their own distinct personalities. N'hampton is more bustling; Amherst more sedate but with its own unique New England charm.

Originally Posted by christoforest

My wife and I are planning on moving back to New England, either the Pioneer Valley or Burlington VT, from Seattle for several reasons, one of which is the people.

I am originally from the Northeast and have become dissillusioned with the nicey-nicey, polite but ultimately superficial personality in Seattle. Originally, in Seattle, it appeared everyone was so friendly as opposed to northeast bluntness, but eventually it became clear the politeness is more of a wall than an invitation. Also, being "so busy" is worn as a badge of honor in Seattle.

I lived three years in Boston and was shell-shocked by the rudeness and abrasiveness people showed toward eachother so I would not live there again, but the other parts of New England always seemed much better. Even in Boston though, friendships seemed deeper and more real than here in Seattle, even if they take a little longer to get going.

My question if the Pioneer Valley is very different from the Boston vibe and if people are freindly/sociable/helpful there and if there is a sense of community? My wife is Brazilian so the social aspect is important.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated!

thanks

Chris

[skytrekker]

As much as I love Boston, I would easily choose the 'Pioneer Valley' as a place to live. Northampton is one of the most charming places to live in my mind- and I love its Main Street.

Northampton is the busiest of the towns in the region. The other towns are very pleasant as well- but much more quiet.

Lots of great coffee shops and ethnic restuarants, bluegrass/folk pubs and bars. Bookshops, pottery shops, etc.

[christoforest]

Thanks.

It has always felt to me a different world once you get west to the Quabbin Resevoir and beyond. I have always wanted to move there but have bad flashbacks to the lifestyle in Boston and been afraid to move back to Mass!

[artichoke63]

Chris,

I lived in Northampton and Amherst for a while. Yes, people are nice, much more open and welcoming. I agree with you about Boston. The rudeness there is a real shocker. People will outright YELL at you if they even think your dog might **** on someone else's (not their) lawn.

Politics in Western Mass were very liberal. People were open minded and educated. My issue with that area was that the entire commerce is the schools. I noticed a lot a dreamers and artists with no real jobs. And that gets tiresome. Also a lot of homeless kids and deadbeats just hanging out in downtown Northampton. What's that about?

Artie

[Tarrant]

The most NEGATIVE community I have ever been around. Stay away from Athol/Orange area as it is run by the "good ole boys" a mean spirited ignorant bunch of yahoos! Head to Northampton area...very nice.

[christoforest]

Hey Tarrant,

Which was the most Negative community, Athol/Orange? ( They are such Atholes)

[prudence]

What's with the panhandling kids in Northhampton? Get a job, there's plenty of retail jobs down there, isn't there?

[Tarrant]

Many small business' owners in the New England refer to daytrippers from Massachusetts as "M*******s"....they just seem to have a bad attitude...mostly from the western part of the state.